canny ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "canny ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a shrewd or clever skill in a particular area. Example: "Her canny ability to negotiate deals has earned her a reputation as a top salesperson."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It was also, as it turned out, another example of his canny ability to make precisely the right choice.

The Guardian - Film

Adrià is used to getting his way and has a canny ability to pull in free talent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His challenger, Mr Reinfeldt, had relative youth on his side (41 to Mr Persson's 57), an affable demeanour and a canny ability to hear and understand voters' concerns.

The Economist

The lyrics display a canny ability to catch the listener unawares, by suddenly switching from knowing, old-fashioned teen-pop chestnuts to something more adult and potent.

The Guardian - Music

As Modi has shown his canny ability to deploy words, overcome cynicism, alter language and re-invent himself - both nationally and abroad.

The Guardian - Opinion

The entertainment press claims to remain astounded by Madonna's "uncanny" (that is, very canny) ability to reinvent herself, to rise like a phoenix year on year from her own ashes, but this is what marketing is about.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Mr. Timbers and Mr. Friedman evince a canny (and sometimes uncanny) ability to draw connections between the messy, polarized politics of the early 19th century and the last few years of posturing in Washington and on the various Main Streets across America where the malaise of Average Joes is honed to a pitchfork-sharp point by media commentators and Tea Party candidates.

The New York Times

And then, as if to confirm that an era had ended, the nation's seventh-largest company, one that had reinvented itself using the tools of the moment -- technology, faith in markets, canny lobbying and an ability to exploit deregulation to create new businesses -- went poof.

The New York Times

By the same token, Bob McDonnell, a conservative to his bones, took care in Virginia to campaign from the centre, and mainly on economic issues, to defeat the Democrats in last November's governor's race.Party veterans fret that a fixation on purity could hamper the Republicans' ability to conduct canny election-winning politics.

The Economist

It is noted that the ability of the Canny contours algorithm to detect the edges of the obstacle varies with respect to the lighting conditions (inherent problem with most of the vision based algorithms).

Complex & Intelligent Systems

But his canny politicking is not matched by ability to govern.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "canny ability" to describe someone's knack for making advantageous decisions or understanding complex situations quickly.

Common error

While "canny ability" is appropriate for professional and news contexts, consider simpler alternatives like "smart skill" or "cleverness" in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "canny ability" functions as a descriptive term, characterizing someone's notable skill. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and suitable for English writing, effectively highlighting someone's aptitude.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "canny ability" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe someone's particularly astute and clever skill. Ludwig confirms its validity, indicating its suitability for use in written English. While versatile, it tends to appear more often in News & Media contexts. Consider alternatives like "astute skill" or "shrewd talent" for slight variations in meaning. It's best to use "canny ability" when you want to emphasize someone's skill at navigating complex situations or making advantageous decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

astute skill

Replaces "canny" with "astute", emphasizing sharpness and discernment.

shrewd talent

Substitutes "canny" with "shrewd", highlighting practical intelligence and resourcefulness.

clever skill

Replaces "canny" with "clever", focusing on quick-wittedness and ingenuity.

astute aptitude

Substitutes "canny ability" with "astute aptitude", denoting a natural talent.

sharp intellect

Replaces "ability" with "intellect", focusing on mental acuity and intelligence.

strategic skill

Emphasizes the tactical and planning aspects of "canny ability".

resourceful talent

Highlights the ability to find and use available resources effectively.

adeptness

A more concise way of saying "canny ability", referring to skill and proficiency.

skillful acumen

Highlights exceptional judgment and quick decisions.

deft touch

Indicates a skillful and effective way of handling situations.

FAQs

How can I use "canny ability" in a sentence?

You can use "canny ability" to describe someone who is particularly skilled at making astute judgments or decisions, such as, "Her "canny ability" to negotiate deals has made her a valuable asset to the company."

What are some alternatives to "canny ability"?

Alternatives to "canny ability" include "astute skill", "shrewd talent", or "clever skill", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "canny ability" formal or informal?

"Canny ability" leans towards a more formal or professional register but can be used in news and media contexts. Consider the audience and context when choosing this phrase.

What does "canny" mean in the phrase "canny ability"?

In "canny ability", "canny" means shrewd, astute, and clever, especially in business or financial matters. It implies a level of intelligence and resourcefulness.